OFFICIAL AND AUTHORIZED! Tom Petty has long been seen as one of the great songwriters of American rock 'n' roll, as well as one of the key standard bearers of integrity in the music business. Conversations With Tom Petty is the first authorized book to focus solely on the life and work of the man responsible for some of the most memorable rock anthems of our generation, including: American Girl, Breakdown, Refugee, The Waiting, Don't Come Around Here No More, I Won't Back Down, Free Fallin', Runnin' Down a Dream, You Don't Know How It Feels, Mary Jane's Last Dance, and many others. He was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and his work with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, as well as his solo albums and those with the Traveling Wilburys, have been critically acclaimed the world over and have earned numerous Platinum-status awards from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), as well as Grammys, MTV Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and many other honors. Author Paul Zollo conducted a series of in-depth discussions with Tom about his career, with special focus on his songwriting. The conversations are reprinted here with little or no editorial comment and represent a unique perspective on Tom's entire career. Insightful, breezy, and loaded with recollections from Petty's formative years. — Orlando Sentinel ...the notoriously media-wary Petty responds...about his life, career, and craft with articulate and intelligent answers that even nonfans can enjoy. — Publishers Weekly ...reveals some fascinating facts for Petty heads. — Billboard The Q&A format is ideal for showcasing Petty's likable personality, and his passion for the music he creates is palpable. — Library Journal. The book includes rare photographs and a first-hand account of Tom's unprecedented career.